Latest SpaceX Falcon 9 Engine Test a Success (With Video!)

This weekend's Falcon 9 engine test could pave the way for a test flight in early April.

This weekend, the launch company Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) ignited all nine Merlin rocket engines in a static fire test that marks a milestone in private space industry. The 3.5-second test occurred at Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral. "The test validated the launchpad propellant and pneumatic systems, as well as the ground and flight-control software that controls pad and launch vehicle configurations," the company announced. The success was a relief after a setback last Tuesday when launch technicians aborted the test with just 2 seconds to ignition.

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During the Saturday test, nine Merlin 1C engines thundered to life, each consuming 300 pounds of propellant each second. The chamber and nozzle, cooled by 90 pounds per second of kerosene, are capable of absorbing 10 megawatts of heat energy. The 154-foot-tall Falcon 9 rocket is being prepared to carry cargo to the International Space Station. A pressurized capsule called the Dragon 9 will separate from the rocket and dock with the ISS. The test is one of the last hurdles to be cleared before a demonstration flight of the Falcon 9 takes place at the Cape. The demo flight could take place as early as April 12.